Mastering Migraines - Medicinal Alternatives

If left untreated, the pain is so intense in its jackhammer-like regularity that the faintest light appears blinding, small sounds are intensified and smells are unbearable. The only relief is to sleep, fitfully, with an ice pack perched precariously on my head while my husband hovers, empathetic but powerless to help. As the hours wear on, I actually welcome the inevitable vomiting as a blessed sign that the end of the migraine is near.

For years I sought relief in medication — and still take it when the migraine is full-blown. However, a few years ago, my chiropractor suggested acupuncture as a migraine preventive. Intrigued, I began treating my migraines through alternative and complementary medicine.

Can gentle, holistic healing methods really control a disease that affects almost 30 million Americans and costs their employers more than 20 billion dollars annually in lost worker productivity? These 10 holistic remedies may provide relief either alone or in conjunction with traditional medicine. Consult a qualified naturopathic, alternative or complementary healthcare practitioner before embarking on a course of treatment.

1. Biofeedback

According to the Association for Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback, “Numerous controlled, clinical, comparative, and long term follow-up studies [including a German study in 2007] have proven beyond any doubt that biofeedback can reduce and cure tension and migraine headaches among adults and children.”

Biofeedback utilizes sensors placed on the body that teach a patient to monitor bodily functions like muscle tension, heart rate and blood pressure. As the patient watches the feedback from the sensors on a monitor, she learns how to control her body’s response — techniques she can implement later in the early stages of a migraine to promote muscle relaxation and lower blood pressure, both of which contribute to relieving migraine pain. Biofeedback is a favorite at the nationally recognized Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago; to locate a provider in your area, visit the AAPB website. Or consider a personal biofeedback device such as the EmWave.

2. Acupuncture

The premise of acupuncture, based on 2,500 years of Chinese medical tradition, holds that energy, or chi, circulates along specific meridian points on the body; hair-thin needles are inserted along meridian lines to balance and restore energy. Some research indicates that acupuncture may affect the central nervous system, increase circulation and increase endorphins — all of which can act as a balm for migraine sufferers.

The largest study looking at the effectiveness of acupuncture for migraine prevention was published in the March 2006 edition of The Lancet Neurology. In this study, researchers found that “47 percent of participants in the traditional acupuncture group… experienced a reduction of migraine days by 50 percent or more.”

Individual therapists determine the specific acupuncture points for a specific patient, but a typical puncture site for migraines is the area between the thumb and forefinger, and the insides of the ankles. Though acupuncture points are generally painless, I have noticed that a looming migraine causes increased tenderness in these areas.

3. Shirodhara

This ancient Ayurvedic technique calms the nervous system to prevent and relieve migraines. The treatment, which takes place with the client face-up on a massage table, consists of a continuous stream of warm sesame oil poured over the forehead and down the scalp, and induces a state of deep relaxation.

A number of Ayurvedic practitioners offer this technique; some more traditional spas have also begun including Shirodhara on their menus. Call your local day spa or check SpaFinder.com for a practitioner near you.

4. Butterbur

One of the main ingredients in this herb, petasin, is said to reduce inflammation and may thereby prevent the swelling that leads to migraines. 
A 2005 German study reported that 77 percent of patients reported a reduction in migraine frequency, and a whopping 91 percent felt substantially or at least slightly improved, while taking butterbur during the four-month trial. Check with your practitioner for the proper dosage, but don’t use butterbur if you’re pregnant or nursing.

5. Anti-Headache Diet

According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF), near 20 percent of migraineurs can consistently identify a food trigger. MSG, found in fast foods and snack foods, is often cited as a culprit in migraine attacks. Chocolate, red wine and aged cheese are other common triggers. “These foods may cause chemical changes in the brain that activate the migraine attack process. That process involves excitability of nerves and reaction of the blood vessels,” says an NHF physician. To maintain preventive migraine health, the NHF stresses the importance of eating healthy meals on a regular schedule and not skipping meals. Drink plenty of water, too, because dehydration may also cause symptoms to worsen.

6. Meditation

Several studies, including one reported in a 2007 issue of the journal Nature Clinical Practice Neurology, show that meditation and yoga can create a physiological reaction in the body that is the exact opposite of stress. Clinical studies have shown mindfulness meditation can be an effective treatment for chronic pain. Meditating also slows breathing rate, blood pressure and heart rate, which can help relieve migraine pain.

7. Feverfew

Feverfew was considered a remedy for inflammation in ancient Greek medical literature. In a 2008 issue of HerbalGram, the journal of the American Botanical Council, it was reported that the use of feverfew leads to a “significant reduction in frequency and severity of attacks as well as decrease of nausea and vomiting.” Researchers think feverfew helps because it blocks serotonin, which causes abnormal blood vessel dilation during a migraine attack. As with butterbur, avoid feverfew if you’re pregnant or nursing.

8. Magnesium

Magnesium is the fourth-most abundant mineral element in the human body, and new research is leading doctors to speculate that magnesium deficiency, present in many migraine sufferers, might be to blame for the pain. In 2008, the journal Magnesium Research reported on a study with migraine patients without aura; researchers discovered that migraineurs on magnesium experienced fewer attacks and the pain was less severe. There was also an increase in blood flow to certain parts of the brain in these patients; the magnesium somehow causes changes in the brain that benefit migraine sufferers, such as constriction of blood vessels in the brain and scalp. The Daily Reference Intake for magnesium, set by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, is between 310-420 milligrams, depending on age and gender. Find yours in foods like leafy green vegetables, whole grains, nuts and halibut.

9. CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 has been touted as an extremely effective migraine aid. A 2005 article in the journal American Family Physician reported that during a trial of this supplement, 61.3 percent of the patients achieved at least a 50 percent reduction in frequency of migraine attacks by the end of the four months, with a 150mg dosage of CoQ10. Like the other supplements mentioned, CoQ10 seems to work best as a preventive remedy rather than a migraine abortive.

10. Body Stress Release

BSR was developed in South Africa in the 1980s, but is now practiced in at least 12 countries. Working with the body’s natural predisposition to be stress-free, BSR assesses the whole body for stored tension. Locked-in body stress can result in pain, because tense muscles put pressure on the nerves; once the stress points are identified, the tension is released using light but definite pressure. The Body Stress Release Association website has more information on the method, and lists providers in several countries (though only a few in the United States).

Also of note is the work of John Sarno, M.D., a professor at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU Medical Center, raised skeptical eyebrows in the 1990s with the publication of his book, The Mindbody Prescription. The book mainly dealt with the psychological underpinnings that caused back pain, but it featured a fascinating section on migraines in which Sarno discussed how he cured himself of migraines by examining his own patterns of repressed rage. Louise Hay, author of the perennially popular You Can Heal Your Life, attributes migraine pain to the thought pattern of perfectionism. As a migraine treatment, it is certainly worthwhile to examine psychological or spiritual factors that may be contributing to your pain.

Perhaps one of the worst aspects of migraines is the pervasive feeling of hopelessness that often accompanies the disease, particularly when one has suffered for decades and taken scores of medications, often to no avail. The prospect of staying on these medications permanently — many of which have severe side effects — is enough to cause a feeling of discouragement and even depression. Holistic remedies not only provide real prevention and relief, but also engender a sense of hope, comfort and freedom from migraine pain.

[Via http://ajp619.wordpress.com]

Acupuncture for Eczema

In treating skin conditions such as eczema, it’s generally accepted that Traditional Chinese Medicine can be very effective, but that herbs are critical in a successful treatment.  A recent study at the Technical University  of Munich in Germany, however, showed acupuncture can also be extremely helpful in reducing itchy flare-ups.  The study involved comparing three groups of eczema-prone patients after they were all exposed to common allergens.  A control group received no acupuncture, the sham group were treated with acupuncture points NOT associated with reducing itching.  A third group was treated with LI-11 (Quchi) and Sp-10 (Xuehai), two points designed to clear heat and cool blood. Only the group treated at LI-11 and Sp-10 showed a dramatic decrease in itchiness.  Interestingly, when the group was exposed to a second round of allergens, their flare-ups were much less severe.   This study is a great example how just acupuncture can help with atopic (allergic) eczema.

[Via http://craigamrine.wordpress.com]

Alternative treatment for the dreaded high ankle sprain

I figured I might as well talk about how to treat high ankle sprains with chiropractic, acupuncture and physiotherapy modalities since I have one!  I just injured my right ankle Sunday morning skiing at Copper Mountain, and man it is no fun.  I do plan on being back at it in 4 weeks.  Most people would say no way, high ankle sprains take at least 6 weeks and then some.  I say, not if you are aggressive with treatment!  So here’s the nuts and bolts:

A high ankle sprain is usually caused by outward twisting of the foot and ankle.  This disrupts the ligament that holds the two long bones of the lower leg together.  This ligament is called the syndesmosis, thus the medical terminology for a high ankle sprain is a sydesmotic ankle sprain.  Mid point calf tenderness is one of the signs of this sprain.  You may or may not be able to walk with this injury, all depending on the severity.  Very severe cases can require surgery that holds the two bones together and lets the ligament heal.  In my case the sprain happened when I twisted in my ski boot when I got knocked off edge and twisted uphill.  I could still ski on the leg, just not to the point I would have liked!

For the treatment:

First off, high doses of proteolytic enzymes to reduce inflammation and clear debris from repair.   I am using 2 products from Nutri-West, Pro-Infa Zyme and Lyso-lyph Forte.  Both taken on an empty stomach.

I went to my chiropractor (yes I need one just like you) and he did an xray to make sure the fibula was not fractured. Now while I don’t condone the use of x-ray most of the time, when you have a trauma its not a bad idea.  No fracture was found so that was good.

Elevation of the leg is a good idea to help with swelling.  Ice for 10 minutes on, 10 off, 10 on at least 3 times a day.  I have also been using cold laser therapy to stimulate ATP production and enhance healing.  Cold laser therapy will also help reduce the amount of scar tissue formation.  Ionic cleanse detoxification is good to help stimulate the lymph system to clear debris from the injury.  I have my ankle wrapped to help with stabilization, however a boot or cast may be required due to the severity.  Acupuncture is also a good idea to stimulate healing and decrease pain.  Chiropractic manipulation to the knee and ankle to ensure proper alignment will help the recovery process.  Since there is a change in the way you walk, you probably will need spinal manipulation especially to the sacro-iliac joints.  The last thing I am doing to recover is using Kinesio-tape.  This helps lymph flow and also adds some bracing effect.

Hopefully you won’t have to go through this treatment, but if you know someone with this injury there are many things that can be done to recover faster.

Yours in Health,

Dr. J

Syndesmosis

[Via http://akdoctor.wordpress.com]

Tolkien and TCM

Yes, I know what you’re going to ask.  ”Come on now, Terry.  What in the world does a geeky fantasy story written by some old dead guy have anything to do with Traditional Chinese Medicine.”  Allow me to elaborate, if I may.

At the end of JRR Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, the wizard Gandalf says “I am going to have a long talk with Bombadil: such a talk as I have not had in all my time. He is a moss-gatherer, and I have been a stone doomed to rolling. But my rolling days are ending, and now we shall have much to say to one another.”

Gandalf is a benevolent character that is constantly on the move.  He is working at all hours of the day and involved in many “big doings” throughout the whole of Middle Earth.  He is guardian of what is good and thus in a constant struggle to achieve his goals.  If you’re not familiar with “Lord of the Rings,” you can find more info about Gandalf here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandalf

Gandalf the Grey

The character of Tom Bombadil, on the other hand, is a fellow who sticks to his own simple ways and does not allow himself to be pulled into drama.  He is simply Tom and remains in harmony within his personal domain.  For more on Tom Bombadil, you’ll find it here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Bombadil

Tom Bombadil

This is what I observe – many of my patients are like Gandalf.  They fight the good fight.  They work long hours.  They have multiple responsibilities.  They are involved in many “big doings” around their community.  They are constantly exhausted, under stress, and sometimes irritable.  They are, in essence, like Gandalf, “stones doomed to rolling.”

I see my job as a TCM practitioner is to be “a moss-gatherer.”  It is my place to help people “who are doomed to rolling” begin to slow down.  Part of my treatment is getting my patient to allow themselves a time for stillness.  When the stone is still, moss can gather and grow upon it.  Just the simple act of taking a slow deep breath is therapeutic.

In TCM speak, “rolling stone” types are in a constant state of expending their Yang energy.  This creates an imbalance.  Yin and Yang must be balanced in order to have optimal health.  In other words, if someone is always on the go, then they should also take time to rest and restore themselves.  Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicines, Massage Therapy, Chinese Dietary Theory and Tai Chi/Qi Gong exercise, can help a person balance their Yin and Yang energies.  I educate my patients on small steps that they can take to reduce their stress.

Can you relate to Gandalf?  Are you being pulled in several directions at once?  Do you find yourself easily irritated and grouchy?  Are feeling overwhelmed and stressed by all that you need to get accomplished today?  If so, then please feel free to schedule a consultation with me by calling 970-218-5909 or email me at terry@artesianspringom.com.  I’d be happy to chat with you and see if we can’t get you to “gather some moss.”

[Via http://artesianspringom.wordpress.com]

Acupuncture for Fertility: Ineffective

A new report out of the British Fertility Society has indicated that Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are ineffective in efforts to increase fertility in In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) participates, according to a report out of the Nightly News. The evaluation of efficacy of acupuncture has had a turbulent past, but the trend is clear, as the studies become more rigorous, acupuncture shows no more efficacy than placebo for most indications; see here for an overview and of course the Cochrane Review. As noted in the report, this announcement comes after the declaration that homeopathy is a pseudoscience and “has no cost-effective benefit”. With such, it appears as though the British health agency is cracking down on some of these alternative medicine modalities.

[Via http://metousiosis.com]